Illinois Teen Dies After Being Hit by Baseball During Practice

Chrisman High School sophomore Bentley Wolfe succumbs to head injury sustained in tragic accident

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A 15-year-old high school sophomore from Chrisman, Illinois has died after being struck in the head by a line drive baseball during practice. Bentley Wolfe was critically injured on March 2 and declared brain dead on March 6, becoming an organ donor before passing away.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks and dangers associated with youth sports, particularly in high-impact activities like baseball. It also underscores the importance of proper safety protocols, equipment, and emergency medical response at school athletic practices and events.

The details

Wolfe was struck by the line drive during a practice session for the Chrisman High School baseball team on March 2. He was immediately rushed to OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria in critical condition. After being declared brain dead on March 6, Wolfe became an organ donor before passing away.

  • Wolfe was struck by the line drive on March 2.
  • He was declared brain dead on March 6.
  • Wolfe passed away after becoming an organ donor.

The players

Bentley Wolfe

A 15-year-old sophomore at Chrisman High School who tragically died after being hit in the head by a baseball during practice.

Jamie Harwood

The Peoria County Coroner who confirmed Wolfe's cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head.

Chrisman High School

The school Wolfe attended and where the fatal baseball practice incident occurred.

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What’s next

Schools in the Vermillion Valley Conference and surrounding areas wore red or green on Monday to show support for Wolfe's family and friends.

The takeaway

This tragic loss of a young life underscores the need for heightened safety measures and emergency preparedness at youth sporting events to prevent similar devastating accidents in the future.